Reentrant inflation tube and control



B. F. GASSAWAY REENTRANT INFLATION TUBE AND CONTROL Feb. 14, 1956 VALVE FOR INFLATABLE ARTICLES Filed May 19, 1952 IN VEN TOR. Bell/'omfn E'Gossawgy United States Patent OF RENTRANT INFLATION TUBE AND CONTROL VALVE FR INFLATABLE ARTICLES Benjamin F. Gassaway, Milwaukie, Oreg., assignor, by mesne assignments, of one-half to Joseph A. Hull, Portland, Oreg.

Application May 19, 1952, Serial No. 288,661

1 Claim. (Cl. 46-90) My invention relates to an inflation tube having an elastic wall and astepped hollow bore of novel construction for use, in combination with a valve, to control the inflation and to protect the operating elements of such inflatable articles as beach balls, toy animals, the bladders of footballs, basketballs, and the like.

One object of my invention is to provide an elastic Walled inflation tube which can be folded and made reentrant to a position substantially flush with the peripheral outline of the inflatable article. Further, in combination with such an inflation tube, it is my object to provide a valve which is operable between an open and a closed position while the inflation tube is fully extended in order that breath inflated articles may be filled without loss of pressure intermediate each breath and in order thatthe tube may be folded inwardly to protect the valve once such inflation is effected.

There are on the market at the present time, a large number of inflatable articles such as beach balls, toy basketballs, toy animals and the like, which conventionally are inflated with a series of breaths from the mouth. It is in conjunction with such articles that my invention is of particular utility and is an improvement upon previously known inflation control devices and inflation tubes.

Most breath inflated articles are provided with a protuberant hollow inflation tube, inexpensive constructions providing an integral tube and article while more expensive constructions provide a separate bladder which tits within the article and to which the tube is secured. To seal such inflation tubes against leakage, the tube itself often is folded and a rubber band wound thereabout or a knot is tied in the inflation tube per se or a separate control valve is carried by the tube. After inflation the tube itself either is left protruding from the article or is stuffed inwardly to a reentrant position with the obvious result that a bulge is created in the periphery of the article. Thus, it is one object of my invention to provide an elastic inflation tube which is foldable inwardly to a reentrant position without creating such a bulge and in order to define a substantially flush outer surface on the inflatable article. As one advantage of such a novel inflation tube, it will be apparent that beach balls and basketballs will bounce true only when the peripheries thereof are one continuous unbroken and flush surface.

In conjunction with the provision of an elastic walled inflation tube, experience has shown that the act of inflation, by mouth, is difllcult to control. For example, when a beach ball or toy animal is inflated, the inflation tube must be covered or sealed between each of the breaths in a series if the pressure is to be retained between breaths. In practice, this is accomplished either by putting the tip of the tongue over the end of the inflation tube or by pinching or holding the tube with the fingers between breaths. At best, however, these procedures are unsatisfactory and unsanitary, and some of the pressure almost invariably is lost. With the 2,734,308 Patented Feb. 14, s

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instant invention, on the other hand, loss of pressure between breaths substantially is eliminated since the elastic inflation tube carries a valve which is operable, while the inflation tube is in a fully extended position, between an open and a sealed position, such operation being practiced with the forefinger and thumb of one hand only. Thus, the valve may be closed while a breath is taken and may be opened while the article is being inflated, none of the air pressure being lost between breaths and less effort thereby being required to effect a complete inflation.

To the above ends, the instant invention provides, in combination with an inflatable article having an elongated elastic walled inflation tube which bounds a hollow bore having nonuniform inner and outer end portions, a valve means carried within the outer end portion of the hollow bore and movable between an open and a closed position, the valve means being operable between the open and closed positions with the inflation tube in fully extended condition. Additionally, the outer end portion of the inflation tube is more stiff and unyielding than the inner end portion thereof so that a push upon the inflation tube will cause the inner end portion to fold inwardly in definition of a reentrant position in which the inner end portion is concentric the stiff outer end portion and the valve. At the same time, this reentrance positions the inflation tube so the outer end thereof is substantially flush with the outerl surface of the inflatable article. Accordingly, no bulge is evident and the valve and tube both are protected from physical damage or from the entrance of dirt and other substances.

Further in service of the above objectives, my preferred constructionis embodied and is generic to each of three separate species. With each of these species, the elastic nature of the inner end portion of the inflation tube retains the parts in the reentrant position. Additionally, one species provides an elastic self closing slit which covers the valve and tube while they are in the reentrant position. With another species, a disk like cap is provided upon the terminal end of the inflation tube and inflation is effected through one or more radial apertures. In function, this disk vseats flush ,with the outer surface of the inflatable articlein a recess provided for this purpose. With each of the species, however, the outer end portion of the inflation tube is more rigid and stiff than the inner end portion to accommodate flexing and bending of the inner relative to the outer end portion. Additionally, the valve means in each species is operable between the open and closed positions while the ination tube is fully extended in order that breath inflation and pressure leakage effectively may be controlled.

The above and other objects, capabilities, and advantages of my invention will be set forth in the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side View, partially broken away and in sec tion, showing the first species of my invention joined to an inflatable article with the elastic walled inflation tube in the fully extended position;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. l but with the elastic Walled inflation tube defining the reentrant position in which the inner and outer end portions are concentric with respect to one another;

Fig. 3 is a partial top view of the first species of my invention showing the operative relationship of the valve to the inflation tube;

Figs. 4, 5, and 6. are similar to Figs. l, 2, and 3, respectively, but illustrate a second species of my invention wherein an elastic self closing slit is provided to protect Fig. 7 is a partial side and section view showing the third species of my invention in thefully extended position; and

Fig. 8 is a viewof the third species, partially broken away. and in section, with the inflation tube and circular disk in the reentrant and seated positions, respectively.

The inflation tube -of the -instant invention preferably is used in combination with an inflation article such as the ball or balloon indicated at 9. Thus, the inflation tube per se may be formed from an elastic thermo-plastic resin or from rubber either as a separate element to be secured to the external. or the internal surface of the inflatable article 9 or it may be molded integral with the inflatable article. In any event, each species of my invention is adapted to carry a valve of the type described in my eopending United States application, Serial No. 274,626,'filed March 3, 1952, and entitled Inflation Tube Valve, now Patent No. 2,674,064.

A cross-sectional view of the valve constructed in accord with the above identified patent application is shown at 40. This valve includes a pair of mated flexible concave suction cups 41 which, when collapsed in face to face abutment, effect a seal and, when separated one from the other, define an open position. A description of the details of this valve is unnecessary to the instant disclosure. Suflice to say, the valve 4t) is carried within a tube member 42 which either may be formed integral with the inflation tube of the inflatable article 9 or may be formed separate therefrom and glued or frictionally held in place. Further, as hereinafter more fully will be explained, the tube member 42, vwhether it is a separate member or is made integral with the inflation tube, serves an important function in that it reinforces and-stiffens the outer portion of the inflation tube, the relative elasticity of the outer and inner portions being genericfto all species of the invention.

Referring first to that species of my invention which is shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, a cylindrical inflation tube 11 is provided with an outer end portion 12 and with an inner end portion 13, the latter being shown as secured to the outer surface of the inflatable article 9. Thus, the elastic wall of the inflation tube 11 boundsa hollow bore 14 which communicates and is concentric with an inflation aperture piercing the wall of the article 9. The previously described valve is secured within the outer end portion 12 of the inflation tube and is movable between a seal and an open position selectively to close or to open the hollow bore 14 to communication with the inflation aperture 15.

In operation of the first species of my invention, it will be evident that the tube member 42 serves to reinforcethe outer end portion 12 whereas the inner end portion 13 is not thus fortified. Accordingly, the outer end` portion is more rigid, stiff, and unyielding than the inner end portion. This accommodates'flexing and bending of the inner end portion 13 relative to the outer end portion 12 and is an important feature of each of the threespecies of my invention. Thus, the inflation tube 11 may be collapsed from the fully extended position of Fig. 1 to the reentrant position of Fig. 2 merely by pushing upon the upper end of the tube to fold the inner end portion 13 back upon itself in concentric relationship with respect to the outer end portion 12.

To inflate the article 9, the valve 4t) is manipulated to the open position and a breath of air is forced through the hollow bore 14 and the inflation aperture 15. Between breaths, the suction cups 41 are collapsed into face to face abutment by squeezing, with the forefinger and thumb, upon the outer surface of the inflation tube behind the suction cups. While inflation'proceeds, the suction cups 41 are held in the open position byV applying a compressive squeeze at right angles to the closure-squeeze. Thus,a consciouseffort is required both to close the valve. 40 'and to break the vacuum between the suction cups when opening the valve.

After inflation, the valve 40 is closed while the inflation tube is in the fully extended position. Thereafter, a push or shove upon the upper end of the inflation tube 11 automatically will collapse the same into the reentrant position of Fig. 2. In this latter position, it will be seen that the elasticity of the inner end portion 13 allows the same to flex and give when the more rigid and unyielding outer end portion 12 is forced into concentric relationship therewith (see Fig. 2). Thereafter, it is the elasticity and the stretched condition of the inner end portion 13 which helps maintain or retain the inflation tube in the collapsed position. Further, as will be evident from an inspection of Fig. 2, the length of the inner and outer end portions 12 and 13 have been correlated so the valve 40 lies just inside of the outer surface of the article 9. This protected disposition of the parts not only provides a smooth contour for the inflatable article 9 but also protects the valve and the inflation tube against physical damage and against an undue accumulation of dirt and the like.

ln Figs. 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings, I have shown a second species of my invention wherein the inflatable article 9 is provided with a similar elastic inflation tube 21. This inflation tube also has nonuniform inner and outer end portions 23 and 22, respectively, the outer end portion 22 carrying a valve 40 which is identical with the valve of Fig. l. The inner end portion 23, however, nstead of being secured to the exterior surface of the inflatable article 19 is secured to the interior surface thereof. This illustrates one of the optional methods of securing these parts together. Futher, the inflatable article in this species is provided with an elastic, self-closing slit 2t) having yieldable lips 26 on both sides thereof. When the valve of the second species is collapsed to the recntrant position of Fig. 5, the lips 26 of the self closing slit 20 come together and seal the inflation aperture 25 which communicates with the hollow bore 24.

In use, the valve 40 of the second species is also operable between an open and a closed position while the inflation tube 21 is in the fully extended position of Fig.4. After the article 9 is fully inflated, the valve 40 is closed and a push is exerted upon the upper end of the inflation tube 21. This push allows the elastic inner end 23 to fold and bend while the more stiff and unyielding outer end 22 is forced into concentric relationship therewith as shown in Fig. 5. At the same time, insertion of the outer end portion through the elastic slit 22 stretches the inner end portion 23 and allows the lips 26 of the slit to close thereover. In function, this closure of the lips 26 seals the valve and inflation tube against the entrance of dirt, protects the parts against physical damage, and provides an even unbroken contour for the outer surface of the inflatable article 9.

In the third species of my invention, a reinforced base member 30 is formed integral with the inflatable article 9. As with the previous species, an inflation tube 31 projects from this base member' and is provided with an outer end portion 32 and an inner end portion 33, the former being more rigid and stiff than the latter to accommodate flexing and bending of the inner end portion relative to the outer end portion. Also as with the previous species, the inflation tube 31 bounds a hollow bore 34 which com.- municates with an'inflation aperture 35. A valve member et) is secured withinfthe outer end portion 32 selectively to seal or to open the bore 34 to communication with the interior of the inflatable article 9.

ln differentiation overv the previous species, the inflation tube 31 of Figs. 7 and 8 is provided with a radially protruding circular disk 36 which seals the outer end of the hollow bore 34. At the same time, one or more radial apertures 37 pierce the inflation tube 31 and the wall of the valve member 4f) to define apassage through which inflation and deflation can be effected. Further, as best shown in Fig. 7, the base member 30 bounds a circular recess 38 which is complementary to the disk 36 in order to seat the latter ilush with the outer surface of the inatable article While inflating the article orf the third species of my invention, the valve 40 may be manipulated between an open and a sealed position while the inflation tube 31 is in the fully extended position in the same manner as with the previous species. As one point of differentiation,

however, ination must proceed through the radial aper-V ture 37 rather than through the end of the ination tube as with the other species. inated, the Valve 40 is sealed and a push is exerted upon the supper surface of the disk 36. This push causes the more flexible inner end portion 33 to yield and stretch to accommodate the more rigid outer end portion 32 in detinition of the reentrant position of Fig. 8. At the same time, as the inner end portion 33 is stretched laterally to accommodate the outer end portion, the circular disk 36 is seated flush within the circular recess 38 and the radial aperture or apertures 37 are covered by the surrounding portions of the base member 30. In this manner, the inflation tube and valve parts even more completely are protected from damage or dirt and the outer surface and contour of the inilatable article 9 are maintained true and unbroken.

In summation, it will be seen that the inflation tube of each species of my invention is provided with an inner and an outer end portion the latter of which is more rigid, stiff, and unyielding than the former to accommodate flexing and bending of the inner relative to the outer end portion. Coincidentally therewith, the inflation tubes themselves each carry a valve which is movable between Further, once the article 9 isl an open and a closed position while the ination tube is in a fully extended position so that better control of inflation and deflation are possible.

I claim:

In an inllatable article having an elongated and elastic self-closing slit, an elastic inllation tube secured to the interior of said article and extensible through said slit for ination purposes, said ination tube bounding a hollow bore with outer and inner end portions, a tube member secured within said outer end portion in concentric relationship with said inilation tube, manually manipulatable, self-contained valve means carried within said tube member selectively to seal o1' to open the same to communication with the interior of said article, said tube member and outer end portion together being more rigid and stiff than said inner end portion to accommodate ilexing and bending of the inner relative to the outer end portion, said outer end portion being insertable inwardly through said elastic slit and within said inner end portion to the interior of said article to define a stretched position in which the two end portions are concentric one another with the elastic slit closed thereover, and separated therefrom.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.17,057 Voit July 3l, 1928 1,555,147 Nield Sept. 29, 1925 1,620,245 Turner Mar. 8, 1927 1,728,465 Youngren Sept. l7 1929 1,927,725 Tompkins Sept. 19, 1933 

